England appears disposed to evade the acknowledgement of independence.--Visit from Sir William Jones, who desires letters of recommendation for America.--Probable objects of his proposed visit.--Note from the Count de Vergennes to Dr Franklin, on Mr Oswald's powers.--Conference between the Count de Vergennes and Messrs Franklin and Jay; Mr Jay objects to treating with Mr Oswald, under a commission styling the United States Colonies; opinion of the Court assented to by Dr Franklin, that that was no ground of objection.--Conversation on the same subject between Dr Franklin and Mr Jay.--Extracts from the instructions to Sir Guy Carleton, transmitted by Lord Shelburne to Dr Franklin.--Conversation with Mr Oswald on this subject.--Form of a commission to Mr Oswald proposed by Mr Jay, recognising the colonies as independent States.--Further conversation with the Count de Vergennes on the same subject.--Extract of a letter from Mr Townshend to Mr Oswald (Whitehall, September 1st, 1782), declaring that the negotiations were intended to be carried on in Europe, and on the basis of unconditional independence.--Mr Jay, in conversation with Mr Oswald, points out the inconsistency of this with General Carleton's instructions, and attributes it to French influence; it is for the interest of England to treat with America as an independent State.--Letter from Mr Jay to Mr Oswald, stating his objections to his commission.--Dr Franklin objects to the letter.--Letter from Mr Jay to the Count d'Aranda (Paris, June 25th, 1782), acquainting him with his readiness to enter upon the negotiations.--Letter from Count d'Aranda to Mr Jay (Paris, June 27th, 1782), expressing a wish to see him.--Conversation between Mr Jay and Count d'Aranda on the western boundary.--The Count sends Mr Jay his proposed boundary line.--Conversation with M. Rayneval, in which Mr Jay declines treating with the Count d'Aranda, without exchanging powers.--Mr Jay assures the Count d'Aranda that the Mississippi is the ultimatum of America; objections of the Count.--Letter from M. Rayneval to Mr Jay (Versailles, September 4th, 1782), requesting a visit from him.--Letter from M. Rayneval to Mr Jay (Versailles, September 6th, 1782), transmitting the following Memorial.--Memorial of M. Rayneval on the right of the United States to the navigation of the Mississippi.--Reflections of Mr Jay on this Memorial.--Letter from Mr Jay to the Count d'Aranda (Paris, September 10th, 1782), stating that he is not empowered to cede any countries belonging to the United States, but is ready to negotiate, with a Minister